Today marks the end of a hurricane season that now researchers are now saying they initially under-predicted. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
____________________________________________
After being closed to repair damages sustained from a collision with a crane last month, the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish will be partially reopening to traffic tomorrow, but it comes with some restrictions. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (21) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
_______________________________
Donald Trump’s approval rating in Louisiana took a big jump this year, thanks to swelling support from his base…
_____________________________________________
Today marks the final day of the 2018 hurricane season, a season that was initially forecasted to be below average. Even though Louisiana was spared of the impact of any major weather event, other coastal areas in the US were not so lucky. Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach, lead author of the forecast says they under-predicted the slightly above average season.
While the season only saw two major hurricanes, Klotzbach says both brought devastation to the areas they made landfall with Hurricane Florence having a death toll of 53 and Hurricane Michael with 43 and counting.
Cut 5 (07) “…of Florida respectively.”
Klotzbach says regardless of the forecast, it’s important for coastal residents to always be prepared during hurricane season.
__________________________________________________
Good news for the thousands of motorists who use the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish. The bridge was closed last month for repairs after a barge hit the structure, but after testing and inspections, it will be partially reopened tomorrow. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says this comes after crews have been working around the clock on repairs.
Cut 7 (06) “…main cords replaced.”
Mallett insists the bridge is safe, but there will be some restrictions for drivers.
Mallett says with only one lane in each direction opening, drivers can still expect some delays.
Cut 9 (05) “…a lot of people.”
_______________________________
President Donald Trump’s approval is up to a clear majority of voters in Louisiana in a new poll from Bernie Pinsonat. Pinsonat says 2018 has featured a few big signature wins for causes close to white heart for white conservative voters that dominate the state’s electorate.
Trump sports a 70 percent approval rating in total from white voters in Louisiana.
The poll also surveyed voter’s opinions on Senator John Kennedy and Governor Edwards. While Trump’s overall approval rating was lower than both of theirs, the percentage of voters who give him the best possible rating beats out the two Bayou State heavyweights.
Kennedy had the next highest excellent rating at 24 percent.
As popular as the President is with Louisiana white voters, he’s even less popular with black voters who make up nearly a third of the population. Those voters almost universally dislike Trump, with 86 percent disapproving of his job, Pinsonat says politically that may not matter…
_____________________________________________
Louisiana is under the threat of severe weather, especially for those north of Interstate 20. National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist Brandi Richardson says an upper-level trough will push rain into the area during the daylight hours.
Cut 13 (12) “…north of there.”
Richardson says the weather pattern will also bring a cold front into the area.
Cut 14 (07) “…force those thunderstorms.”
Richardson says when it comes to severe weather in for those south of I-20, it’s important for residents to be prepared as well.
Cut 15 (08) “…prepare for it.”
__________________________________
Nichols is looking to keep their dream season alive, fresh off a 49-30 win over San Diego in the first round of the FCS playoffs. Up next they’ll take on Eastern Washington on Saturday up in Cheney Washington. The Eagles are averaging 60 points in their last three games and only lost 2 all years. Colonel’s Coach Tim Rebowe says they’re not to be underestimated.
Eastern Washington QB Eric Barriere scored six total touchdowns in the Eagles last game, a 74-23 win over Portland State.
But Nichols has been impressive themselves, averaging 27 points scored in the first halves of their last three games while only letting in 10 total points from opponents over that same period. Rebow says strong starts have been a focus this year, but against this kind of opponent, they’ll need to keep their foot on the pedal…
Rebow says his team isn’t intimidated by their deep run in the FCS playoffs, and are looking forward to cracking the elite eight with a running game that’s trampled opponents this year.